Systems and methods for a multi-mode reconfigurable sector antenna

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for configuring a single sector antenna capable of operating in multiple modes and comprising a plurality of radiating arrays to radiate over a sector area at a polarization by activating a single radiating array. An enabler activates a single radiating array in a single-unit sector antenna that comprises multiple radiating arrays to allow the sector antenna to operate in the desired mode without interference from additional active radiating arrays, the sector antenna being capable of reconfiguration without unit replacement or system losses to operate in a different mode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sector antennas and, morespecifically, to systems and methods for a configurable sector antennawith a plurality of radiating arrays capable of radiating at one of aplurality of sector angles to cover one of a plurality of sector areasbased on the characteristics of an active radiating array.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An antenna is an electrical device that sends or receives signals. Morespecifically, an antenna acts as the port through which radio frequency(RF) energy is radiated to or received from the outside world. A commonantenna is an omnidirectional antenna. An omnidirectional antennaradiates in all directions, essentially in a 360 degree pattern.However, such an antenna is an inefficient solution for a problemrequiring more directed or focused radiation. A single robust antennacapable of focusing its radiated power on one of several particularareas is desirable partly because of its efficient power allocation andpartly because of the direct cost savings in production and potentialuse in more advanced commercial applications.

A sector antenna provides a common solution to this problem. A sectorantenna is an antenna that divides a 360 degree spherical area intosmaller segments, such as two 180, three 120, or four 90 degree areas.The sector antenna then generally radiates primarily in a direction of aparticular segment to provide a more focused radiation to a particulargeographic location. This concentrated radiation in a particulardirection increases the directive gain of the antenna, making theantenna more efficient. There are however drawbacks to these standardsector antennas. Each particular sector antenna is designed andconstructed to radiate only at a particular degree angle to cover apredetermined area. Once constructed to meet these predeterminedspecifications, the standard sector antenna cannot be modified. Forexample, a sector antenna may be constructed to direct its radiation ata 45 degree angle to cover a particular geographic area. A problemarises if the application changes and it becomes necessary to radiatetowards a different area, or at a different angle. In such a case, onemust design and manufacture several sector antennas for various apertureangles corresponding to different geographic areas. Because each sectorantenna is suited only for a particular scenario, it is necessary tochange the characteristics of the antenna to respond to a change in thescenario. Thus, one traditionally has been required to swap the antennawith a replacement sector antenna suited for the new scenario, or toelectrically modify the existing antenna to address the change in thescenario. A replacement antenna increases the production cost, as twoseparate antennas must be manufactured, and requires completereplacement of the entire antenna.

In certain instances, a sector antenna may be electrically modifiable,or “smart”. A smart sector antenna may be used in an attempt to meetdifferent parameters or specifications. A switched beam antenna is justsuch a type of smart antenna. However, a switched beam antennaconcurrently produces multiple beams, resulting in a more complex andcostly design, and multiple active beams result in losses andinefficiencies. Generally, a two-way antenna to handle theabove-described smart sector antenna, built with an electricallymodifiable radio frequency (RF) switch has about a 3 to 3.5 dB loss dueto the electronic reconfiguration when compared to a standardnon-reconfigurable sector antenna. This loss is unacceptable in manysensitive applications. Thus, a smart sector antenna is not a viableoption in many instances due to system complexity, cost, and itsinherent additional signal losses.

Furthermore, sector antennas are constructed to radiate at a fixedpolarization. Polarization of an antenna relates to the orientation ofelectromagnetic waves at a distance from their source. For example, theelectromagnetic waves may be oriented vertically or horizontally. Properpolarization maximizes antenna performance, and generally, the bestresults are achieved when the polarization of a transmitting antennamatches the polarization of a receiving antenna. The polarization anddirectivity of such antennas are built into the antenna radiatorstructure and cannot be changed. Thus, a problem arises when a needexists to radiate a signal over an area with a polarization that doesnot match the polarization of the sector antenna. In such a case,replacement of the sector antenna and its resulting drawbacks is againthe only viable option.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is apparent that there is a direct need for asingle configurable sector antenna capable of activating one of aplurality of radiating arrays to radiate in one of a plurality ofdirections to meet the changing needs of a user, avoid replacement ofthe entire sector antenna, and effect a production cost savings as aresult of high volume manufacture of a single unit, robust, multi modeproduct, all while avoiding losses in signal strength resulting from theelectrical modification of the sector antenna. Further, it is desirableto provide a single sector antenna capable of being configured toradiate with different polarizations in order to meet varying end userpolarization requirements. Thus, the aim of the present invention is toovercome the above mentioned problems by providing systems and methodsrelated to a single configurable sector antenna capable of activatingone of a plurality of radiating arrays to radiate at one of a pluralityof different angles over a plurality of geographical locations atmultiple polarities.

Within this aim, the present invention features systems and methods fora sector antenna configurable to radiate in at least one of a pluralityof sector areas by activating one of a plurality of radiating arrays. Toincrease efficiency and reduce cost, a single sector antenna assemblyincludes a plurality of radiating arrays, each with differentcharacteristics, wherein a single radiating array is active at aparticular time. Further, based on the active radiating array, thesingle sector antenna may radiate signals with different polarizations.This reduces cost, facilitates robust high volume manufacturing of asingle product capable of multiple applications, and improves efficiencyand performance.

This aim and others are achieved by a sector antenna apparatusconfigurable to radiate in at least one of a plurality of sector areas,comprising: at least one sector antenna mounted to a housing; awaveguide mounted to the housing; the at least one sector antennacomprising a first radiating array capable of activation by engagementwith the waveguide to radiate a first beam covering a first sector area;the at least one sector antenna comprising a second radiating arraycapable of activation by engagement with the waveguide to radiate asecond beam covering a second sector area; and an enabler to activateone of the first radiating array and the second radiating array byengaging the waveguide with one of the first radiating array and thesecond radiating array so that the sector antenna radiates one of thefirst beam and the second beam.

The above mentioned aim and others are also achieved by a method forconfiguring a sector antenna to radiate in at least one of a pluralityof sector areas, comprising: providing a sector antenna mounted to ahousing; mounting a waveguide to a housing; providing, included in thesector antenna, a first radiating array capable of activation byengagement with the waveguide to radiate a first beam covering a firstsector area; providing, included in the sector antenna, a secondradiating array capable of activation by engagement with the waveguideto radiate a second beam covering a second sector area; determiningwhich of the first radiating array and the second radiating array toactivate; activating one of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array by engaging the waveguide with one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array; and radiating from thesector antenna one of the first beam and the second beam.

In one aspect, the invention features a sector antenna apparatusconfigurable to radiate over at least one of a plurality of sectorareas. The sector antenna apparatus may include at least one sectorantenna mounted to a housing and at least one waveguide mounted to thehousing. In certain embodiments, a sector antenna may include a patchantenna. In an embodiment a sector antenna may include a point tomultipoint base station sector antenna. The at least one sector antennaincludes a first radiating array that may become active, (i.e., itradiates) when it is engaged with the waveguide. The first radiatingarray emits a first beam. In an embodiment, the first beam may be asignal, such as an RF signal that covers a first sector area, which isgenerally a geographic area. The invention also includes a secondradiating array that may become active upon engagement with thewaveguide. The second radiating array emits a second beam that covers asecond sector area, which is also generally a geographic area. In anembodiment, the second sector area is smaller than and includes aportion of the first sector area. In other embodiments, the first sectorarea and the second sector area do not overlap at all. In an embodiment,only one of the first radiating array and the second radiating array maybe active at any given time.

The invention also includes an enabler to activate either the firstradiating array or the second radiating array by coupling one of thefirst and second radiating arrays to the waveguide. This coupling mayinclude any effective connection between the waveguide and one of theradiating arrays that allows signal propagation so the sector antennamay radiate in accordance with the active radiating array. In anembodiment, the enabler may include a mechanical switch, microstripwaveguide transition or any device to facilitate a mechanicalconnection. Preferably, the enabler activates either the first radiatingarray, causing the first beam to radiate, or the second radiating array,causing the second beam to radiate. In some embodiments, the enableractivates the first radiating array or the second radiating array duringassembly of the sector antenna apparatus. In other embodiments, thisenablement occurs after assembly is complete, and in certainembodiments, this enablement may be made by a field service technicianafter the apparatus has been put into use for a particular application.In various embodiments the enabler may also disable the active firstradiating array or second radiating array, and may mechanicallyreconfigure the sector antenna apparatus by then enabling the previouslyinactive first or second radiating array.

In certain embodiments, the first radiating array or the secondradiating array may include a third beam covering a third sector area.This third sector area may include a portion of the first sector area orthe second sector area, and this third sector area in combination withthe second sector area, may equal or exceed the geographic area definedby first sector area.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method for configuring asector antenna to radiate in at least one of a plurality of sectorareas. This method comprises providing a sector antenna and a waveguide,both mounted to the housing, as well as providing a first radiatingarray and a second radiating array. When active, the first radiatingarray is capable of producing a first radiating beam and the secondradiating array is capable of producing a second beam. The first beamradiates over a first sector area, a geographic area, and the secondbeam radiates over a second sector area, also a geographic area. Themethod includes the step of determining which of the first radiatingarray and the second radiating array to activate, as well as the step ofactivating at least one of these arrays by engaging the waveguide witheither the first radiating array or the second radiating array toradiate from the sector antenna the corresponding first beam or secondbeam over the appropriate geographic area.

In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of deactivatingthe active first or second radiating array, and then activating theother, previously inactive array. In various embodiments, thisactivation may occur during or after manufacture of the apparatusdefined by the method, and a human service provider may manipulate theenabler so as to activate, or deactivate, either the first or the secondradiating array, or to first deactivate one radiating array and then toactivate another radiating array. Other aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,illustrating the principles of the invention by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fullyunderstood from the following description of various embodiments, whenread together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a simplified azimuth graph depicting a representative 90degree sector area into which a sector antenna is capable of radiatingin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1 b is a simplified azimuth graph depicting a representative 45degree sector area into which a sector antenna is capable of radiatingin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1 c is a simplified azimuth graph depicting an alternaterepresentative 45 degree sector area into which a sector antenna iscapable of radiating in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view depicting a sector antenna apparatuswith multiple radiating arrays configurable to radiate in one of aplurality of sector areas in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method for configuring a sectorantenna with multiple radiating arrays to radiate in one of a pluralityof sector areas in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the drawings for the purposes of illustration, the inventionmay be embodied in systems and methods for radiating a beam from asector antenna in one of a plurality of directions. These directionsinclude at least one defined sector area. Embodiments of the inventionallow for configuration of the sector antenna to enable one of aplurality of radiating arrays to radiate over one of a plurality ofsector areas, during or after assembly of the sector antenna where thesector antenna has been activated to radiate over a single sector areaat any given time, and where this sector antenna may be reconfigured toradiate over an alternate sector area.

In brief overview, FIG. 1 a is a simplified azimuth graph 100 depictinga representative 90 degree aperture angle corresponding to sector area105 into which a sector antenna is capable of radiating in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. An azimuth graph generally depictsan antenna radiation pattern as seen looking down from directly abovethe antenna. Generally, the sector antenna radiates over only one sectorarea at any point in time. In the embodiment illustrated in this Figure,the sector antenna has been enabled by activating a radiating array toradiate in sector area 105, illustrated as corresponding to quadrant Iof the simplified azimuth graph, although in various embodiments, thesector antenna may radiate in any direction, and the degree of radiationmay vary from a 0 to 360 degree sector angle. Thus, in this embodiment,the sector antenna, configured to radiate over (i.e., into) multiplesector areas, has been enabled and activated to radiate over sector area105, as illustrated by the corresponding simplified azimuth radiationpattern.

FIG. 1 b is a simplified azimuth graph 150 depicting a representative 45degree aperture angle corresponding to sector area 155 into which asector antenna may radiate in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In the embodiment illustrated in this Figure, the sectorantenna has been enabled to radiate in sector area 155, illustrated ascorresponding to a portion of quadrant I of the simplified azimuthgraph. Sector area 155 generally covers a different geographic area thansector area 105. In various embodiments, sector area 155 may overlap orpartially overlap with sector area 105. In an embodiment, sector area155 may be a subset of sector area 105, or vice-versa. In theillustrated embodiment, the sector antenna, configured to radiate over(i.e., into) multiple sector areas, has been enabled and activated toradiate in sector area 155, as illustrated by the correspondingsimplified azimuth radiation pattern.

FIG. 1 c is a simplified azimuth graph 175 depicting an alternativerepresentative 45 degree aperture angle corresponding to sector area 180into which a sector antenna may radiate in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. In the embodiment illustrated in this Figure, thesector antenna has been enabled to radiate in sector area 180,illustrated as corresponding to a portion of quadrant I of thesimplified azimuth graph. Sector area 180 generally covers a differentgeographic area than both sector area 105 and sector area 155. Invarious embodiments, sector area 180 may overlap or partially overlapwith sector area 105, sector area 155, or both sector area 105 andsector area 155. In other embodiments, there may be no overlap betweenany sector area 105, sector area 155, and sector area 180. In anembodiment, sector area 180 may be a subset of sector area 105, sectorarea 155, or both. In an embodiment, the sum of the areas defined bysector area 180 and sector area 155 may equal the area defined by sectorarea 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the sector antenna, configuredto radiate over (i.e., into) multiple sector areas, has been enabled andactivated to radiate in sector area 155, as illustrated by thecorresponding simplified azimuth radiation pattern.

In brief overview, FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view depicting a system200 including a sector antenna apparatus with multiple radiating arraysconfigurable to radiate in one of a plurality of sector areas byactivating one of the radiating arrays in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. Apparatus 200 typically includes at least one sectorantenna 205. Generally, sector antenna 205 is any antenna capable offocusing a radiated signal on a particular geographic area. In theillustrated embodiment, sector antenna 205 includes at least one patchantenna. In an embodiment, sector antenna 205 may also include at leastone point-to-multipoint base station sector antenna. Generally, a basestation includes generalized equipment for providing connectivity,management, and control of another station, known as a subscriberstation, and a point-to-multipoint base station sector antenna refers toa topology wherein a base station simultaneously services multiple,geographically separated subscriber stations and each subscriber stationis permanently associated with only one base station.

Sector antenna 205 is generally mounted to a housing 210. Housing 210typically includes any housing, or casing, sufficient to protect sectorantenna 205 from debris and damage while allowing sector antenna 205 toremain in a position to radiate or receive a signal. In an embodiment,housing 210 completely encases sector antenna 205. In anotherembodiment, housing 210 partially encases sector antenna while leavingportions of sector antenna 205 exposed. Housing 210 may include aradome, alternatively known as a radar dome (not depicted) to furthershield sector antenna 205 from the environment. The radome may take theshape of a geodesic dome and encases housing 210 and sector antenna 205.Housing 210 also incorporates a waveguide (not shown). A waveguide maybe any structure or device that confines and guides a propagatingelectromagnetic wave. In an embodiment, the waveguide may be integral tohousing 210, and may be machined into housing 210. In an alternateembodiment, the waveguide may be a separate element, mounted to orassociated with housing 210 or sector antenna 205. As viewed in theillustrative embodiment, the waveguide ends in the bottom of housing210, with an external flange.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, housing 210 is mounted tosector antenna 205 by a series of threaded holes 212, mounting holes213, and fasteners 214. In an embodiment, threaded holes 212 areintegral to housing 210, and mounted holes 213 are integral to sectorantenna 205. Threaded holes 212 and mounted holes 213 are properlyaligned, and fastener 214 passes through threaded holes 212 and mountedholes 213 to lock sector antenna 205 and housing 210 into position. Onceproperly fastened, sector antenna 205 generally cannot move relative tohousing 210. Of course, in various embodiments, any means for mountingsystem 200 components together may be used. For example, fastener 214may include a bolt, a screw, a solder joint, spot weld, or otherconnection to securely fix the position of sector antenna 205 relativeto housing 210.

System 200 also includes a first radiating array 215 and a secondradiating array 220. First radiating array 215 generally generates thefirst beam (also called a communication beam or signal) that radiatesover a first sector area. The first sector area is typically thegeographic area over which the first beam is radiated. In the same way,the second radiating array 220 generates a second beam that radiatesover a second sector area. In an embodiment, first radiating array 215is integral to sector antenna 205. In various embodiments, firstradiating array 215 may be coupled or otherwise linked to sector antenna205. Thus, first radiating array 215 is capable of generating a firstbeam for radiation over a first sector area, and second radiating array220 is capable of generating a second beam for radiation over a secondsector area. To prevent the introduction of losses, generally, firstradiating array 215 and second radiating array 220 are positioned onsector antenna 205 sufficiently far apart from each other so that theydo not unintentionally couple to each other.

Typically, first sector area and second sector area do not overlap.However, in various embodiments, first sector area and second sectorarea may partially or wholly overlap or a particular sector area may beentirely included within the boundaries of another sector area. Incertain embodiments there may be more than two radiating arrays, andgenerally each radiating array generates a beam for radiation over aparticular sector area unique to that radiating array. For example, inan embodiment with a third radiating array (not shown), the thirdradiating array generates a beam for radiation over a third sector area.First, second and third sector areas may or may not overlap in variousembodiments. In an embodiment, the sum of any number of sector areas mayequal or exceed the area covered by another sector area.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2, sector antenna 205includes a patch antenna, first radiating array 215 includes a singlerow of patches capable of generating a 90 degree beam to radiate over afirst sector area and second radiating array 220 includes a triple rowof patches capable of generating a 45 degree beam. In variousembodiments, sector antenna 205 may include a plurality of radiatingarrays of any configuration capable of generating a plurality of beams,at any angle between 0 and 360 to radiate over a plurality of sectorareas.

System 200 also includes at least one enabler 225. Generally an enableris a device capable of making sector antenna 205 operational by enablinga beam to radiate via the waveguide. Enabler 225 may include atransition, such as for example a microstrip-waveguide transition. Thebeam generally originates at an active radiating array. A radiatingarray, such as for example first radiating array 215 or second radiatingarray 220, becomes active when it engages the waveguide to radiate itscorresponding first beam or second beam to radiate over the first sectorarea or second sector area. Enabler 225 engages the waveguide with aradiating array, such as first radiating array 215 or second radiatingarray 220. In an embodiment, enabler 225 may include a mechanical deviceor object physically connecting the waveguide with a radiating array.For example, the mechanical device may include any mechanical connectoror transition that facilitates signal propagation from a radiating arraythrough the waveguide.

Enabler 225 may be permanently attached to the waveguide and reversiblyattachable to any radiating array present on sector antenna 205. Theenabler is then attached to the appropriate radiating array to activatethat particular radiating array to radiate the desired beam over thedesired area. Generally only one radiating array is active at any onetime. In various embodiments, enabler 225 is capable of deactivating anactive radiating array by disengaging that radiating array from thewaveguide. This causes radiation of the beam from that particularradiating array to cease. In this illustrative embodiment, enabler 225may then activate another radiating array to radiate a different beamover a different sector area.

In an embodiment enabler 225 activates a particular radiating array byengaging it with the waveguide during production or assembly of sectorantenna 205. This may occur for example when the initial application ofsystem 200 is known prior to production. Enabler 225 may be manipulatedby a human, such as a service technician, to enable a particularradiating array. This may be done before, during, or after productionaccording to various embodiments. Furthermore, in an embodiment, thehuman may manipulate enabler 225 to disengage an active radiating arrayfrom the waveguide, and then to subsequently engage a differentradiating array to the waveguide to cause a change in the sector areaover which a beam is radiated. In an embodiment, this may occur bywholly or partially physically disconnecting sector antenna 205 fromhousing 210, manipulating enabler 225 to deactivate one radiating arrayand to activate the desired radiating array and re-connecting sectorantenna 205 with housing 210. In a further embodiment, enabler 225 mayrespond automatically to user instructions regarding which of aplurality of radiating arrays to activate. For example, enabler 225 mayinclude an electromechanical device capable of responding to remote userinput to activate (or deactivate) a particular radiating array.

Both first radiating array 215 and second radiating array 220, as wellas any additional arrays present in various embodiments, are capable ofactivation and there is effectively only one active radiating array atany one time. An activated radiating array is typically connected to therest of system 200 to radiate the corresponding beam over thecorresponding sector area. First radiating array 215 and secondradiating array 220 each have their own polarization. Generally, thispolarization is inherent to the particular radiating array and cannot bechanged. In an embodiment, the desired polarization may be achieved beactivating the radiating array corresponding to that polarization. Forexample, this polarization may include horizontal polarization, verticalpolarization, left hand circular polarization, or right hand circularpolarization.

In brief overview, FIG. 3 is a flowchart that depicts a method 300 forconfiguring a sector antenna with multiple radiating arrays to radiatein one of a plurality of sector areas in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. The method includes a step of first providing a sectorantenna mounted to a housing (STEP 305). The sector antenna may be anyantenna capable of radiating over a particular geographic sector area.The sector antenna may include at least one point to multipoint basestation sector antenna. Moreover, the sector antenna may include atleast one patch antenna. In various embodiments, method 300 may providemore than one sector antenna. Following the provision of the sectorantenna, an embodiment of the invention includes providing a waveguidemounted to the housing (STEP 310). Generally, a waveguide is a structurethat confines and guides a propagating electromagnetic wave.

The method 300 next includes the step of providing a first radiatingarray (STEP 315). Generally the first radiating array is designed toradiate at a particular aperture angle, over a particular sector area.For example, in an embodiment, a radiating array could be designed togenerate a 90 degree aperture, or beam, angle corresponding to aparticular sector area. The method 300 also includes the step ofproviding a second radiating array (STEP 320). Generally, the secondradiating array is designed to radiate over a particular sector areathat is different from the sector area associated with the firstradiating array. In an embodiment, the sector area associated with thesecond radiating array may at least partially overlap with the sectorarea associated with the first radiating array. In various embodiments,the sector antenna may include any number of radiating arrays (i.e., atleast a third radiating array) similar to each of the first radiatingarray and the second radiating array.

After the provision of the first radiating array (STEP 315) and thesecond radiating array (STEP 320), method 300 continues by determiningwhich of the first radiating array and the second radiating array toactivate (STEP 325). Typically, only a single radiating array may beactive at any one time, although in an alternative embodiment, more thanone radiating array may be active simultaneously. In an embodiment,method 300 determines a single radiating array to activate from a choiceof any number of radiating arrays, which may be greater than two.Generally the determination of which of the first radiating array andthe second radiating array to activate (STEP 325) is made during theassembly of the sector antenna. However, in an embodiment, thedetermination of which of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array to activate (STEP 325) is made after assembly of thesector antenna.

After determining which of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array to activate, different embodiments of the inventionactivate the chosen radiating array (STEP 330). In various embodiments,the chosen radiating array may be activated during manufacture (i.e.assembly) of the sector antenna. In other embodiments, the chosenradiating array may be activated after assembly by, for example, aservice technician. Typically, the chosen radiating array is activated(STEP 330) by electrically or mechanically connecting or coupling thewaveguide to the chosen radiating array to allow beam propagation.Generally, the radiating array chosen to be activated is selected fromthe group consisting of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array. In an embodiment with more than two radiating arrays,the radiating array chosen to be activated is selected from the groupconsisting of all of the more than two radiating arrays. Generally, onlyone radiating array may be active at any given time, although variousembodiments may include a plurality of active radiating arrays.Typically, an enabler facilitates the activation of a radiating array byfunctionally connecting a radiating array to the waveguide. Typically,the radiating array that is not activated, (i.e., the deactivated array)is mechanically and electrically disconnected from the waveguide,although it is still physically attached to the sector antenna or thehousing. Thus, a mechanical device may need to be physically moved toperform activation of a radiating array. The enabler may include anysuch connecting or mechanical device, such as for example a transition,or more specifically a microstrip waveguide transition.

Once the chosen radiating array has been activated (STEP 330) method 300next radiates a beam from the chosen radiating array (STEP 335) inconjunction with the waveguide. Generally, the beam is anyelectromagnetic wave capable of propagation through a waveguide.Typically, the beam that radiates from the sector antenna originateswith the chosen activated radiating array. The beam radiates primarilyover the sector area corresponding to the chosen activated radiatingarray. For example, the beam radiating from the first radiating array,defined as the first beam, radiates primarily over a first sector area,and the beam radiating from the second radiating array, defined as thesecond beam, radiates primarily over a second sector area. Generally,the respective beams may radiate over any degree angle between 0 and 360degrees, such as, for example, 45, 90, 120, or 180 degrees to radiateover a plurality of sector areas.

In an embodiment, after a chosen radiating array is activated (STEP330), method 300 may also include the step of deactivating the chosenradiating array (STEP 340). In various embodiments, the chosen radiatingarray may be deactivated (STEP 340) by disengaging the chosen radiatingarray from the waveguide. This deactivation (STEP 340) typically causesthe beam from the chosen radiating array to cease radiating over itsassociated sector area. Generally, at this point there is no activeradiating array, and thus no corresponding beam radiating over thecorresponding sector area. In such a case, method 300 may then loop toagain determine which radiating array to activate (STEP 325). In variousembodiments, the radiating array that is determined to be activated(STEP 325) may or may not be a radiating array that has been previouslyactivated.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the systems and methodsprovided by the invention afford a simple and effective way to configurea single sector antenna to operate in one of many possible modes basedon the activation of one of a plurality of radiating arrays withoutincurring operating losses or requiring complete sector antennareplacement. The plurality of radiating arrays according to embodimentsof the invention are each able to radiate a beam over a different sectorarea and/or at a different polarization. This increases efficiency,lowers maintenance costs, and facilitates high volume manufacturing of asingle, robust product.

One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to beconsidered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of theinvention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated bythe appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A sector antenna apparatus configurable to radiate in at least one ofa plurality of sector areas, comprising: at least one sector antennamounted to a housing; a waveguide mounted to the housing; the at leastone sector antenna comprising a first radiating array capable ofactivation by engagement with the waveguide to radiate a first beamcovering a first sector area; the at least one sector antenna comprisinga second radiating array capable of activation by engagement with thewaveguide to radiate a second beam covering a second sector area; and anenabler to activate one of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array by engaging the waveguide with one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array so that the sectorantenna radiates one of the first beam and the second beam.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the sector antenna comprises a point tomultipoint base station sector antenna.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the sector antenna comprises a patch antenna.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the first radiating array has a polarizationdifferent from that of the second radiating array.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the second radiating array comprises radiating a thirdbeam covering a third sector area, wherein the second sector area andthe third sector area in sum cover at least a portion of the firstsector area.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first beamcomprises a 90 degree sector angle, wherein the second beam comprises a45 degree sector angle, and wherein the third beam comprises a 45 degreesector angle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first beamcomprises a 90 degree sector angle and wherein the second beam comprisesa 45 degree sector angle.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theenabler deactivates the active one of the first radiating array and thesecond radiating array by disengaging from the waveguide one of thefirst radiating array and the second radiating array, and wherein theenabler subsequently activates one of the first radiating array and thesecond radiating array by engaging with the waveguide one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein a human services the enabler to activate one of thefirst radiating array and the second radiating array by engaging withthe waveguide one of the first radiating array and the second radiatingarray so that the sector antenna radiates one of the first beam and thesecond beam.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enabler comprisesat least one mechanical connector to couple the waveguide to one of thefirst radiating array and the second radiating array.
 11. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the enabler activates one of the first radiatingarray and the second radiating array during assembly of the sectorantenna apparatus.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enableractivates one of the first radiating array and the second radiatingarray after assembly of the sector antenna apparatus.
 13. A method forconfiguring a sector antenna to radiate in at least one of a pluralityof sector areas, comprising: providing a sector antenna mounted to ahousing; mounting a waveguide to a housing; providing included in thesector antenna a first radiating array capable of activation byengagement with the waveguide to radiate a first beam covering a firstsector area; providing included in the sector antenna a second radiatingarray capable of activation by engagement with the waveguide to radiatea second beam covering a second sector area; determining which of thefirst radiating array and the second radiating array to activate;activating one of the first radiating array and the second radiatingarray by engaging the waveguide with one of the first radiating arrayand the second radiating array; and radiating from the sector antennaone of the first beam and the second beam.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein the sector antenna comprises a point to multipoint base stationsector antenna.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the sector antennacomprises a patch antenna.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the firstradiating array has a polarization different from that of the secondradiating array.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the sector antennais capable of radiating a third beam covering a third sector area,wherein the second sector area and the third sector area in sum cover atleast a portion of the first sector area.
 18. The method of claim 13wherein the first beam covers a 90 degree sector angle and wherein thesecond beam covers a 45 degree sector angle.
 19. The method of claim 13further comprising; deactivating the activated one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array by disengaging from thewaveguide the activated one of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array; activating one of the first radiating array and thesecond radiating array by engaging with the waveguide one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array; and radiating from theactivated one of the first radiating array and the second radiatingarray one of the first beam and the second beam.
 20. The method of claim13, wherein the step of activating one of the first radiating array andthe second radiating array by engaging the waveguide with one of thefirst radiating array and the second radiating array comprises:servicing, by a human, the sector antenna to activate one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array by engaging with thewaveguide one of the first radiating array and the second radiatingarray so that the sector antenna radiates one of the first beam and thesecond beam.
 21. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of activatingone of the first radiating array and the second radiating array byengaging the waveguide with one of the first radiating array and thesecond radiating array comprises: mechanically connecting the waveguideto one of the first radiating array and the second radiating array. 22.The method of claim 13, wherein the step of activating one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array by engaging the waveguidewith one of the first radiating array and the second radiating arraycomprises: activating one of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array during the manufacture of the sector antenna.
 23. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the step of activating one of the firstradiating array and the second radiating array by engaging the waveguidewith one of the first radiating array and the second radiating arraycomprises: activating one of the first radiating array and the secondradiating array after the manufacture of the sector antenna.